Good Samaritan's cookie project encourages quality family time

For almost 10 years, Good Samaritan has provided Christmas gifts for an average of 800 local children every year. But this year, the organization wants to go a step further and encourage family involvement and quality time with its cookie baking project.

For almost 10 years, Good Samaritan has provided Christmas gifts for an average of 800 local children every year. But this year, the organization wants to go a step further and encourage family involvement and quality time with its cookie baking project.

Every family whose children will be receiving gifts this year through the Angel Program will receive sugar cookie dough, cookie cutters and sprinkles.

Supplies can be dropped off at the Good Samaritan food pantry Monday through Friday from 9 a.m to 4 p.m. or at the administrative office from Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. by Dec. 10.

"This event is made possible through a strong and long-standing partnership with Pulaski County," said Shirley Mitchell of Good Samaritan. "To know that you have personally purchased a gift that a child will open on Christmas morning is overwhelming."

Donations will also be accepted on Dec. 6, under the "Cookie Tree" on the corner of Benton Street and Historic Route 66 at Christmas on the Square. Good Samaritan volunteers will be handing out Wendy's flyers on Dec. 6 for Wendy's Community Day, where a percentage of every purchase from customers with flyers will be donated to the cookie baking project.